It's that increasingly confusing and gut-wrenching time of year called open enrollment. That's when employers and insurers allow you to make changes on your health care insurance and other "fringe" benefits.

It's Only Money thinks it more aptly called open impalement.

With workers being asked to take more control of their benefits, the choices and financial impacts can be dizzying.

Hewitt Associates, a human resources consultant, estimates workers will pay more than $4,000 next year in out-of-pocket health care costs and premium shares. That's a 10 percent increase over last year and more than triple the average amount workers paid in 2001.

Yet the average worker salary increased less than 2 percent in 2009, Hewitt estimated.

Do you have any questions on how to approach these decisions and cost increases? Email me or post them below. It's Only Money will strive to answer them and explore topics in an upcoming column.